A Chic Reading List for Francophiles

A few weeks back, I spotted a fellow Francophile at the local coffee shop reading Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes. 

I gently interrupted her to ask how she liked the book so far—she smiled and said that she enjoyed it very much since she was missing Paris after a recent visit. I asked her if she had pursued any other parisienne reading. When she shook her head, I quickly jotted down a few suggestions for further reading.

To say that I've read a decent number of books about Paris or France is an understatement. There can never be enough books on Hausmannian design, sparkling champagne and French fashion houses.

I have yet to pursue the more traditional literature on Paris in depth—Baudelaire, Hemingway and McCullough, of course—but here's my recommended reading list so far for those in love with the Paris dream.

Paris My Sweet, A Year in the City of Light by Amy Thomas. A playful read that's part dessert, part map—Thomas maps out the best patisseries in both Paris and New York—it's a cute, quick novel to help you unwind from the ordinary hustle...

Love Life Style by Garance Dore. I had the pleasure of meeting Garance at a Fashionista meetup in the city before reading the book. A huge superfan of her illustrations and successful blog, I look to Garance as a true model for the modern woman. 

My Paris Dream by Kate Betts. Another inspirational read for the fashion lover seeking a way to live in the City of Light—Betts shares her story of landing a position Fairchild Publishing and navigating her life between Paris and New York.

How to be Parisian Wherever You Are by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas. A fun read to pass along to your girlfriends, then keep in plain sight in your apartment at all times. 

Paris, The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd. One of the longer novels on this list, Rutherfurd artfully curates a beautiful historical fiction for the reader to experience Paris in different time periods. 

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (translated by Lydia Davis). I read this specific edition while I was at university and it is my favorite book for classic French literature. I kept my course notes on the novel, I love it so much. 

My Paris Dream by Kate Betts

If you're a Francophile and you keep a mini-collection of contemporary books on Parisian journeys, add My Paris Dream to the shelf.

Betts, an award-winning magazine editor and author, shares her coming-of-age story of living and working in Paris, France shortly after graduating from college. Her anecdotes finding her own way through the city and industry are absolutely fascinating—one story about Christian Louboutin is a favorite. 

While reading Betts's story, I can't help but be slightly envious of her background (Princeton) and ability to pursue such an illustrious career in the City of Light (Fairchild Publications). 

With that being said, it's clear that she worked hard for it and getting there wasn't a piece of cake—building her professional credibility, navigating cultural differences and dealing with the loneliness of living abroad takes an extraordinary level of concerted effort. 

My Paris Dream is the perfect inspirational story to move and motivate its readers.

Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and The Power of Style by Kate Betts

Considering that everyone's attention is turned to the 2016 Presidential Election, I thought it would be fun to take a step back and read something else for different perspective. 

I went to the library with the sole intention of finding Betts' latest novel, My Paris Dream, but as I walked past the shelves, I spotted the bright pink binding and The First Lady's dress on the cover.

I have always admired The First Lady, but Betts' thoughtful examination of Michelle's history and character in context to her immaculate, yet approachable presentation left a lasting impression.

It's one thing to simply highlight Michelle's self-accomplished past as a graduate from Princeton and Harvard and former career as Vice President of Community and External Affairs for the University of Chicago Medical Center—but to explore the way in which The First Lady's intellect, sincerity, poise and strength presents itself in her choice of designers and brands and article of clothing is beyond fascinating.

What I love the most about this book is how Betts reiterates the general discussion of style, its significance and the role plays in everyday life. Style is an extension of the self—it has the power to communicate so much about a person, professionally and personally.

Rachel Zoe was absolutely right—"style is a way to say who you are without having to speak."